AMERICAN LEGION JERSEY BOYS STATE
“A WEEK THAT SHAPES THE FUTURE”
Sponsored by THE AMERICAN LEGION, DEPARTMENT OF NEW JERSEY
JUNE 16-21, 2013; RIDER UNIVERSITY, Lawrenceville, NJ
www.ALJBS.org
@ALJBS
.com/ALJBS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2013
CONTACT: David Bagatelle, Director
director@aljbs.org, (646) 408-1032
Ronald A. Berna Named Samsung Scholarship Nominee at American Legion
Jersey Boys State
Berna of Cinnaminson, NJ, Will Compete at National Level for $20,000 Scholarship
LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – On Friday, June 21, the American Legion Jersey Boys State (ALJBS) announced Ronald A. Berna of
Cinnaminson, NJ, as the New Jersey nominee to compete nationally for the annual Samsung American Legion Scholarship. The
nominee, who was sponsored by American Legion Post #72, will receive a $1,000 scholarship immediately and will be eligible for an
annual $20,000 scholarship. Berna was selected after a series of interviews and reviews of his academic record, community and extracurricular involvement, and financial need. Berna was selected as the Jersey Boys State nominee from more than 150 applicants.
Since 1996, Samsung Corporation has awarded scholarships to Boys and Girls State delegates from across the country to show
appreciation for U.S. veterans who came to Korea’s aid during the Korean War. The scholarship is limited to direct descendants or
legally adopted children of a wartime veteran who served on active duty during at least one of the periods of war officially designated
as eligibility dates for American Legion membership.
“We wish Ronald Berna the best of luck as he competes with other Boys and Girls State nominees,” said David Bagatelle, Director of
American Legion Jersey Boys State. “We’re grateful to be able to honor our veterans, their service, and their families in every way we
can.”
In addition to this award, ALJBS also named several other honors for this year’s session.
HONOR
Gordon A. Vreeland Award
Todd Eaton Award
Harry V. Groome Award (staff)
NAME
Prajay Tipre
Fravlin Munoz
Andrew Robertson
HOMETOWN
Princeton
Patterson
Bordentown
LEGION POST #
148
438
542
Throughout the week-long program, statesmen:
 Heard from notable speakers including US Senate candidate and Newark Mayor Cory Booker (ALJBS delegate, 1986), US
Senate candidate Congressman Frank Pallone Jr., Congressman Leonard Lance (ALJBS delegate, 1969), and NJ
Assemblyman Herbert Conaway, Jr. (ALJBS Governor, 1980);
 Participated in a robust college fair featuring 95 colleges and universities from across the nation;
 Attended leadership seminars and training by United States Marine Corps and New Jersey State Police;
 Elected the 68th ALJBS Governor; and
 Elected two Boys Nation Senators who will represent New Jersey at the annual American Legion Boys Nation program in
Washington D.C., from July 19-26, 2013.
###
About American Legion Jersey Boys State (ALJBS)
In its 68th year, ALJBS is a week-long experience that educates, trains, and inspires New Jersey’s youth so that each statesman may
become a lifelong leader of character committed to service, respect, and Americanism. ALJBS is a college-level seminar that teaches
citizenship, politics, and leadership to nearly 1,000 rising-seniors in high school. ALJBS is among the most respected and selective
educational programs of its kind in the country. All expenses are typically donated by a sponsoring American Legion Post, a local
business, or a community-based organization. To learn more, please visit aljbs.org.